CHILDREN will today plead with councillors not to take away their lollipop patrol.

Pupils from Our Lady and St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Leadgate, near Consett, will go into the council chamber to urge Durham county councillors not to axe the service.

The school has not had a patrol since the last post-holder retired in September and the council is reviewing the service at each school where a vacancy occurs.

A report to the highways committee says the number of vehicles using St Ives Road is relatively low, that there is low demand for the crossing patrol and that resources spent there cannot be justified.

But headteacher Sharon Fenwick said: "It is a very dangerous road, especially with the brow of the hill.

"There is going to be an accident. I am sure it is going to happen, although I hope and pray it does not.''

About 31 pupils, including a blind girl and some youngsters with special needs, will put their argument to the committee.

Ebchester CE Primary School also faces losing its patrol, on the busy A694.

A report to the committee says that only five children use the crossing in the morning. Although this increases to 29 in the afternoon, officials say the number of vehicles concerned remains relatively low.

Headteacher Richard Coombes said: "It is the commuter route between Consett and Newcastle. There is a 30mph limit but most people do not obey it.

"I think if only one pupil is crossing a day, we are justified in keeping the crossing because you cannot put a value on a child's life."